Recent estimates indicate that Florida’s population could grow to 26 million people by 2030. According to other reports, over 900 people are moving to Florida every day. The advantages of metal roofing are gaining popularity, with its market size tripling in the last decade and continuing to grow each year. Are metal roofs good in Florida? Metal roofs are known for their durability, strong resistance to wind, low maintenance requirements, and fire resistance.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Metal Roof?
Metal roofing provides several distinct advantages over alternatives like asphalt shingles and tiles, including longer lifespan, lower maintenance needs, and greater energy efficiency.
Metal roofs provide superior longevity to other popular roofing materials in Florida‘s humid climate, which often sees hurricanes. This advantage makes metal an excellent choice in an environment prone to hurricanes.
However, other roofing materials like asphalt shingles typically only last 15 to 12 years before needing replacing again. Metal roof systems offer long-term protection without having to replace your roof every decade or so. With one in place, you won’t need replacement costs until its lifespan ends!
Let’s now examine the cost breakdown over 60 years.
Metal roofs cost approximately $18,000 over their lifespan and have an expected lifespan of 40-70 years, although this number can depend on how well maintained it is throughout its life. Proper care of metal roofs extends their lifespan even further, and maintenance requirements can even be reduced as metal roofs are low-maintenance solutions to take care of.
Superior Wind Resistance
Metal roofs excel at withstanding nature’s elements, making them an excellent choice in Florida, where hurricane-force winds pose significant threats.
Metal roofs provide you with peace of mind during a storm. Your neighbors won’t have to pick up pieces after storms! Their only exposed edge will be at the bottom where gutters meet the roofline. Otherwise, it is safely fastened without risk of wind-driven damage.
Increased Curb Appeal
Modern residential metal roofing is a far cry from the old-style corrugated barn roofs. It comes in various styles and colors, offers durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, and can last for decades. It’s also environmentally friendly and provides excellent protection against weather and fire. While the upfront cost is higher, it’s considered a long-term investment that adds value to homes.
Increases Home Value
A metal roof can enhance the look of your home and boost its resale value. When people interested in buying a house see one with a metal roof, they see it as a valuable investment. Metal roofs can last for over 50 years, which is a big plus for buyers who don’t want to worry about replacing it soon.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Metal roofs’ energy efficiency depends on two aspects: reflecting light efficiently and dissipating heat quickly when things heat up. They can often excel in both of these areas depending on what coatings they feature. Some metal roofs are so efficient that they can even make air conditioning unnecessary in certain places. However, we don’t think Florida homeowners will be saying goodbye to their air conditioners anytime soon.
Sustainable Materials
Metal roofing is 100% recyclable, which means every component can be repurposed or reused. Asphalt shingles typically end up in landfills as part of construction waste.
Additionally, metal roofing panels are typically crafted from recycled metal materials. This makes metal roofs a much more environmentally friendly choice compared to other options.
Fire Resistant
Metal roofs are exceptionally fire-resistant. They’re typically crafted from materials like zinc, copper, or steel alloys, which can endure lightning strikes and wildfires. Unlike some other roofing materials, metal roofs won’t help spread fires.
Having a metal roof can provide peace of mind for your family, knowing that it adds an extra layer of safety to your home.
Potential Insurance Discounts
Installing a new metal roof on your house could lead to a discount on your insurance. Insurance companies recognize that homes with metal roofs tend to have fewer claims for roof replacement and repairs. It’s a good idea to ask your insurer for a lower monthly premium, which could save you money.
Less Maintenance
Homeowners are well aware of the many tasks required to maintain their homes. By learning some DIY skills and avoiding the expense of hiring contractors, you can free up both time and money. With a durable metal roofing system, you won’t have to worry about frequent repairs after every storm.
Lightweight
Metal roofing is not only lightweight but also durable and long-lasting. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain and snow, and is resistant to rust and corrosion. Metal roofs often come in various styles and colors, allowing homeowners to achieve both functionality and aesthetic appeal for their homes.
The Best Type of Metal Roofs in Florida
We’ve noticed that some metal roofing styles have become quite popular. These styles include stone-coated metal, metal tiles, 5V, and standing seam. Let’s take a closer look at each of these metal roofing options to understand why they are considered some of the best choices.
Stone-Coated Steel
This metal roofing option imitates the appearance of traditional shingles while providing the strength and durability that metal roofs offer.
If you prefer a roofing material that doesn’t have the distinct appearance of metal, stone-coated steel is an ideal choice. It may also offer better resistance to abrasion compared to other roofing types. Standard metal roofing can sometimes get dented if struck by debris during a storm, but the stone coating on this style reduces the likelihood of such impacts.
For Florida homeowners, stone-coated roofing is an excellent option, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic without compromising safety or durability. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular types of metal roofing for homeowners in Florida.
Metal Tile
The Greater Tampa Bay area is known for its popularity when it comes to tile roofing. It’s a favored choice for various property types due to its elegant and timeless appearance. However, there are drawbacks to traditional tile roofing, including its weight, repair difficulties, and susceptibility to algae growth.
For those seeking the look of tiles but with enhanced durability, metal tile roofing is an excellent option. It closely resembles ceramic tiles in appearance but offers superior durability and resistance to algae. These qualities are particularly valuable for roofs in Florida, and metal tiles are generally lighter than most traditional tile options. If you’re not a fan of the typical metal roof appearance, this is the ideal metal roofing choice for you.
5V Metal Roof
The name “5V” might sound unusual, but it’s actually quite straightforward. It refers to the five V-shaped creases that you’ll find on this type of roof. If you appreciate the classic appearance of metal roofing, 5V can be a fantastic choice as it gives your roof a textured look that sets it apart.
While it’s true that metal roofs tend to be on the pricey side, 5V roofing can be a more budget-friendly option compared to others. This makes it a good choice for those who need to stick to a budget.
Standing Seam Roof
Standing seam metal roofing is similar in appearance to 5V roofing, offering that traditional metal roof look. However, it comes with some significant differences compared to other metal roof types, such as 5V.
One key distinction is that standing seam roofs do not have visible fasteners like 5V roofing. This means you can achieve a sleeker and more seamless look if that’s your preference. Additionally, thanks to hidden clips that securely lock the panels together, standing seam roofs are better equipped to handle the thermal expansion and contraction caused by sunlight, which makes them a more durable choice, particularly in the sunny climate of Florida.
It’s important to note, though, that standing seam metal roofs tend to be among the most expensive roofing options. So, if cost is a crucial consideration for you, it’s something to keep in mind.
The Bottom Line – Are Metal Roofs Good in Florida?
Metal roofs can be an excellent choice for homes in Florida. They offer several advantages such as durability, resistance to harsh weather conditions, and energy efficiency. Stone-coated metal, metal tiles, 5V, and standing seam are popular metal roofing options, each with its unique features to suit different preferences and budgets.
If you’re considering a metal roof for your Florida home, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and costs associated with various styles to find the one that best meets your needs
All Star Roofing, a trusted roofing expert in the Greater Tampa Bay area, can provide you with valuable guidance and professional installation services. Ensure your home is protected and energy-efficient with a durable metal roof – contact All Star Roofing today for a consultation and a roofing solution tailored to your requirements.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP